Ukraine war fears saw surge in British shoppers ‘panic buying’ essentials from toilet roll to dried pasta

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. open image in gallery Empty shelves of sunflower oil, at a Caprabo supermarket in Barcelona, Spain José Carvalho, of Barclaycard, said: “Many sectors saw strong growth in March compared to the same period in 2019, as sunnier weather encouraged Britons to socialise at pubs and bars, book staycations and update their wardrobes for spring and summer. “However, rising fuel prices and household bills are clearly starting to influence consumer behaviour, with many changing their travel and shopping habits to save money.” It follows a series of shocking figures published by the United Nations last month showing that global food prices rose to all-time highs for cereals, meats and cooking oils. open image in gallery It comes as many Brits face a cost of living crisis Elsewhere today, the World Trade Organisation revised down its forecast for global trade growth this year to 3 per cent from 4.7 per cent as a result of the impact of the Russian war in Ukraine, and warned of a potential food crisis caused by surging prices. “It’s now clear that the double whammy of the pandemic and the war has disrupted supply chains, increased inflationary pressures and lowered expectations for output and trade growth.” The Geneva-based body said that global trade growth in 2023 is expected to be 3.4 per cent, noting that both 2022 and 2023 estimates are less certain than usual due to uncertainty about the conflict.